“MR WEBB RECALLS THE PAST”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23951, 28 October 1939, Page 9

“MR WEBB RECALLS THE PAST”

TO THE EDITOR Sir,—Under the above euphonious heading, the Daily Times this morning tells of Mr P. C. Webb’s experiences with members of the police force. “The police,” Mr Webb said, “had to act according to the law. 1 acted against the law and they did their duty bv apprehending me, and I have no feelings whatever against them for so doing. Faced with similar circumstances, I would do the same tomorrow.

Mr Webb served a term of imprisonment for his attitude to war service during the war of 1914-1918. It appears to me most extraordinary that, while our Prime Minister has stated publicly that New Zealand is heart and soul behind the British Empire in her present great struggle with Germany, a member of his Cabinet should state publicly that. “ faced with similar circumstances, he would do the same to-morrow.” Of course. Mr Webb could not now be faced with " similar circumstances,” as he is over military age. Whether, however, you, Sir, and the Press Association of New Zealand have not infringed the censorship regulations is a matter of opinion. Mr Webb’s attitude is in the nature of a defeatist attitude, and that, I would say, is against the interests of the British Empire in its life-and-death fight for. its existence. Does Mr Webb know that a war is being fought—one that has every likelihood of being the greatest war the world has ever known—that, if the British Empire goes down, so does New Zealand? Some weeks ‘ago the Gwcrnment appointed a director of publicity. Has not he some control over statements like that of Mr Webb? lam extremely surprised that Mr Webb should want to recall this episode of his past, and also extremely surprised that the Press Association of New Zealand should deem’ his remarks worthy of being telegraphed all over New Zealand.— I am, etc.. The Axe. October 27.